F balinese scale diatonic chords
F balinese scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
F balinese scale — chords and intervals
Harmonizing the F balinese scale yields a dark, meditative chord set from the Gamelan tradition. The chords of F balinese are F minor, Gb major, Ab augmented, Bb minor, C unknown, Db major, Gb unknown. These chords create a shimmering, Southeast Asian harmonic world that feels ancient and spiritual. Use them for cultural scoring or to add a haunting, non-Western harmonic flavor to contemporary music. Commonly used in Gamelan, World, Ambient, Film Scores. Notable players include Colin McPhee, Steve Reich.
The F balinese scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7.
Intervals: H-W-W-W-H-3H-H.
Diatonic chords: F minor, Gb major, Ab augmented, Bb minor, C unknown, Db major, Gb unknown.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | F minor |
| ii | Gb major |
| iii | Ab augmented |
| IV | Bb minor |
| V | C unknown |
| vi | Db major |
| vii° | Gb unknown |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (F minor) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (Gb major) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Ab augmented) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Bb minor) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (C unknown) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (Db major) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Gb unknown) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the F balinese scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the F balinese scale on guitar.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over drones and sustained bass notes. Traditional Gamelan music doesn't use chords — the scale is inherently melodic and interlocking.